Coronavirus - Ramadan

In 2020, Ramadan is taking place from 23/24 April to 23/24 May.

Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours, meaning they abstain from eating, drinking or engaging in sexual relations for the duration of their fast. It is the holiest month of the year for Muslims as it is when the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan 2020 will be a very different experience for Muslims during the COVID-19 lockdown. At present, it is unlikely that social distancing measures will be lifted and we will be able to return to our normal routines. Congregational acts of worship for Muslims outside of the home are still suspended to stop the spread of the virus.

Despite challenges faced by long fasts and COVID-19 restrictions, Muslims are finding ways to adapt and make the most of Ramadan at home. The Muslim Council of Britain has offered the following advice for planning Ramadan activities given these restrictions:

Prayers – Organise prayers including taraweeh at home as a family and pray as a congregation in the home. Since it is no longer possible to do I’tikaf in the mosque, consider doing this at home.

Virtual Iftars – Try to organise virtual iftars with extended family and the community through the many online video calling facilities available.

Plan food – Plan your iftar menus in advance so that you can limit multiple shopping trips and limit exposure given social distancing measures.

Drink well – Hydrate well for the long work days. Dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches, lack of focus/concentration.

Energy foods – Eat high energy, slow burn foods for suhoor (starting your fast) – it is important that you remain energised throughout the workday, especially as we can experience heightened levels of anxiety during these times.

Breaks – Take regular breaks to reflect and take time for yourself.

Mental Health – Life can be full, and you may try to fill it with more worship during Ramadan. Praying more can help with anxiety but it is important to be good to yourself – sometimes it is quality over quantity.

More information on coronavirus during Ramadan, including advice on working from home, virtual iftars, and advice for mosques and prayer facilities is available from the Muslim Council of Britain.